EBOOK

This E-book on Youth Work Competences has been developed as part of a European cooperation project to improve the quality of youth work and to share good practices in the field of non-formal education.

The publication explores how vulnerable and at-risk young people can access non-formal education and volunteering opportunities in different countries (Spain, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Romania). It provides:

• Research findings on the realities of youth work in these countries.

• An analysis of the main challenges faced by young people, such as social exclusion, the NEET phenomenon (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), gender gaps, lack of recognition of non-formal learning, and limited resources.

• Good practices and examples of programs, initiatives, and policies that have successfully empowered young people to become active citizens (such as Second Chance Schools in Spain, Roma inclusion strategies in Hungary and the Czech Republic, or youth councils and training opportunities for youth workers).

• A review of how youth workers are trained, recognized, and perceived by their communities and policymakers.

• Key insights into the challenges youth workers face, including underfunding, lack of recognition, and the need for stronger collaboration across sectors.

The E-book aims to serve as a practical resource for youth workers, educators, policymakers, and organizations engaged in supporting young people. It highlights innovative approaches, compares realities across countries, and provides inspiration for creating more inclusive and impactful youth work strategies.